Extension-mode angular velocity sensor

ABSTRACT

An angular velocity sensor including a drive extension mode. In one aspect, an angular rate sensor includes a base and at least three masses disposed substantially in a plane parallel to the base, the masses having a center of mass. At least one actuator drives the masses in an extension mode, such that in the extension mode the masses move in the plane simultaneously away or simultaneously towards the center of mass. At least one transducer senses at least one Coriolis force resulting from motion of the masses and angular velocity about at least one input axis of the sensor. Additional embodiments can include a linkage that constrains the masses to move in the extension mode.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Under 35 U.S.C. 120, this application is a Continuation Application and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 13/966,026, filed Aug. 13, 2013, entitled “EXTENSION-MODE ANGULAR VELOCITY SENSOR,” which is a Continuation Application and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 12/558,398, filed Sep. 11, 2009, entitled “EXTENSION-MODE ANGULAR VELOCITY SENSOR,” all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to vibratory angular velocity sensors, and more particularly to an angular velocity sensor having a single drive system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology has been under steady development for some time, and as a result various MEMS devices, including gyroscopes, have been implemented within several applications. MEMS gyroscopes generally belong to a vibratory mass class of gyroscopes.

Typically a vibratory angular rate sensor comprises a single drive and a single sense subsystem. The drive subsystem is driven into oscillation at the resonant frequency of the drive mode. A Coriolis force acts on the oscillating drive subsystem and generates force which is then transferred to the sense subsystem. Consequently, the sense subsystem moves at the drive frequency proportional to the input rate of rotation and that motion is typically sensed by an appropriate transducer.

One problem with this type of sensor is the duplication of driving system and drive electronics. A drive system and sense subsystem is needed for each axis in which angular velocity is desired to be sensed, so that at least three drive systems are needed to cover all three axes.

Some types of angular rate sensors have provided a single drive system with a sensing subsystem that senses in multiple axes. For example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0220971 by Ayazi et al. describes a single bulk structure driven at multiple drive frequencies and is used to sense three input axes. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0214883 by Durante et al. describes a single structure driven at a single drive frequency and used to sense three input axes. Patent application 20090064780 by Coronato et al. where a single structure driven at single drive frequency is used to sense three input axes. None of these structures use expanding members (an extension mode). Other devices, such as resonators, have been provided with single structures having an expanding member. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,323,952 by Pan et al. describes a bulk resonator including a breathing-like mode of expansion thus describing bulk structures and not discrete mass structures. U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,205,867 and 7,227,432 by Lutz et al. describe a resonator including nodal points and “breathing” and “bending” movement. These structures involve nodal points, i.e. points where masses do not move. U.S. Pat. No. 7,363,814 by Okada describes a device having one mass moving in different directions. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,856,217 and 6,628,177 by Clark et al. describe an expanding resonator for filtering and oscillator applications.

These prior devices are all limited in various ways and none allow for an angular rate sensor using a single drive system moving in an extension mode and multiple masses and which can provide one or more sensing axes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventions of the present application relate to an angular rate sensor providing multiple masses that move in an extension mode. In one aspect of the invention, an angular rate sensor includes a base and at least three masses disposed substantially in a plane parallel to the base, the masses having a center of mass. At least one actuator drives the masses in an extension mode, such that in the extension mode the masses move in the plane simultaneously away or simultaneously towards the center of mass. At least one transducer senses at least one Coriolis force resulting from motion of the masses and angular velocity about at least one input axis of the sensor. Additional embodiments can include a linkage that constrains the masses to move in the extension mode.

An angular rate sensor of the present inventions includes a drive system based on an extension vibratory mechanical mode. This mode provides a simpler system, reducing costs of the sensor. Multiple sensing axes can share the single drive system, and a single drive mode and drive circuit can be used, simplifying the sensor and reducing cost and power consumption.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a is a top plan view of an embodiment of an angular rate sensor of the present invention;

FIGS. 1b and 1c are top plan views illustrating an extension mode of the angular rate sensor of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 2a is a top plan view of another embodiment of an angular rate sensor in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 2b and 2c are top plan views illustrating an extension mode of the angular rate sensor of FIG. 2 a;

FIGS. 3a and 3b are top plan views illustrating other example embodiments in which the angular rate sensor includes different numbers of proof masses;

FIGS. 4a, 4b, and 4c are top plan views of embodiments of the angular rate sensor of the present invention showing the use of a frame;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an example of a more-detailed implementation of the angular rate sensor of the present invention;

FIGS. 6a and 6b are top plan views of examples of an anchoring linkage and anchoring flexure of the angular rate sensor of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of an example linkage for use with the angular rate sensor of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the angular rate sensor of the present invention, a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the angular rate sensor of the present invention, a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the angular rate sensor of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the angular rate sensor of the present invention;

FIGS. 12a and 12b are top plan and side elevational views illustrating sensing operation of an angular rate sensor of the present invention when the input axis is the X axis;

FIGS. 13a and 13b are top plan and side elevational views illustrating sensing operation of an angular rate sensor of the present invention when the input axis is the Y axis;

FIGS. 14a and 14b are top plan and side elevational views illustrating sensing operation of an angular rate sensor of the present invention when the input axis is the Z axis; and

FIGS. 15a-15h illustrate the basic steps of Nasiri-fabrication of an angular rate sensor of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to angular velocity sensors, and more particularly to a multi-axis angular velocity sensor having a single drive system. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiment and the generic principles and features described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment shown but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.

A drive system of the disclosed single-drive angular rate sensor is based on an “extension” or “extending” vibratory mechanical mode. When a mechanical structure of the angular rate sensor is oscillated in the extension mode, the mechanical structure generates Coriolis forces around three orthogonal axes resulting from rotation of the angular rate sensor around three input axes. An advantage of the extension mode is the simplicity of the achievable design. Consequently, a significantly smaller size design is possible. This in turn reduces production costs. Another advantage of the disclosed angular rate sensor is a single drive mode. The single drive mode requires a single drive circuit, e.g., a circuit that includes a single pick-up circuit and a single oscillation loop circuit. Consequently, the power consumption is significantly reduced and the electronics simplified relative to prior designs. The angular rate sensor of the present inventions allows the single drive system to be shared by multiple sensing systems, e.g., multiple axes of motion can be sensed when using the single drive system.

Any of the embodiments of the inventions described herein can be implemented as a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor. For example, in various embodiments the base 10 can be provided as an appropriate substrate, the sensor components can be hermetically sealed, and/or other well-known MEMS techniques can be used.

Referring to FIG. 1a , a first embodiment of an angular rate sensor 8 of the present invention is disclosed. The angular rate sensor 8 may sense a rate of rotation of the sensor 8, i.e. angular velocity, about at least one of three input axes. In the described example, the X axis may be a first input axis, the Y axis may be a second input axis, and a Z axis may be a third input axis.

The angular rate sensor 8 includes a base 10 and a plurality of proof masses 100, indicated specifically in FIG. 1a as masses 100 a-d, disposed within a plane parallel to the base. The plane parallel to the base and defined by the masses 100 a-d, i.e. the X-Y plane extending through the center of the masses 100, is referred to herein as the “mass plane.” The proof masses 100 a-d in the described embodiment are multiple discrete masses and are shown to form a rectangle or square shape when viewed as in FIG. 1a , but may be other shapes in other embodiments (e.g., as in FIG. 2a described below). In some embodiments the masses 100 a-d can be substantially planar or flat, with a small (Z-axis) thickness relative to their length and width, where the masses lie substantially in the mass plane. For example, in some embodiments the masses can have a length and/or width approximately 10-30 times the thickness, but can vary even more in other embodiments. Other embodiments can allow different mass thicknesses.

The sensor further includes at least one actuator 400 to set the masses 100 a-d into motion within the mass plane, and at least one transducer 501, 502 and/or 503, to sense at least one Coriolis (external) force. The transducer 501 may sense motion around the X axis, the transducer 502 may sense motion around the Y axis, and the transducer 503 may sense motion around the Z axis. The angular rate sensor can further include anchoring linkages 300. The anchoring linkages 300 couple and suspend the masses 100 a-d to the base 10. Furthermore, the angular rate sensor 8 includes a linkage 200 that flexibly couples the masses 100 a-d to each other, such that each mass 100 a-d is flexibly coupled to two of the other masses 100 a-d. In some embodiments, the linkage 200 can include linkage portions as shown, where each linkage portion connects two adjacent proof masses 100 a-d, as described in greater detail below with respect to FIG. 7.

Referring to FIG. 1b and FIG. 1c , the angular rate sensor 8 may have an extension mode in which the masses 100 a-d move substantially in a plane and simultaneously move away (FIG. 1c ) or towards (FIG. 1b ) a center of mass CM defined by the masses 100 a-d. The center of mass CM of the masses 100 a-d is shown as an example, and is approximately in the same mass plane defined by the masses 100 a-d. In one implementation, the extension mode may be implemented using proof masses 100 a-d moving simultaneously inwards toward or outwards from the center of mass, wherein each mass moves along a line radiating substantially from the center of mass such that the center of mass of the masses 100 a-d does not substantially move, e.g., the masses 100 a-d all move approximately the same distance from the center of mass CM. In the described embodiments, the extension mode may be a drive mode of the angular rate sensor, such that the actuator(s) causes the extension mode movement of the masses 100. The linkage 200 may constrain the plurality of masses to substantially move only in the extension mode.

In some embodiments, the extension mode is a mechanical resonant mode, in which the proof masses 100 a-d all follow the motion conforming to the shape (pattern of movement) of the extension mode at a single resonant frequency. There might be multiple resonant frequencies of the mechanical structure. The linkage 200 may make undesired resonant frequencies substantially higher than the resonant frequency of the extension mode. If the mechanical structure is operated by actuating the masses at the resonant frequency all masses move in the accordance to the extension mode. The motion of the structure at the resonant frequency of the extension mode causes a sufficient amount of oscillatory movement (mechanical amplitude) of the masses to allow accurate measurement of the resulting Coriolis force. This resonant frequency can be determined by experimentation, for example.

The sensor of the present invention can include a single-drive system, in which a single drive circuit (not shown) is connected to the actuator. For example, in some embodiments the single drive circuit can include a single pick-up circuit (including transducer(s) to measure the motion of the proof masses), a phase shifter (in some embodiments) to shift the phase of the measured signal, and a feedback circuit to provide the signal back to the actuator (e.g., drivers/amplifiers for providing the appropriate signal to the actuator). This single drive circuit may cause oscillations at mechanical resonant frequency. Thus, the masses 100 a-d can be driven into the motion conforming to the shape (pattern of movement) of the extension mode using actuator 400, which is the single driven mode of the sensor. Coriolis forces resulting from the angular rate around multiple input axes can be sensed from the proof masses at the single drive frequency. Thus, multiple axes can be sensed based on the masses driven by a single actuator 400, if desired. For example, the sensor can use three transducers 501, 502, and 503 to sense angular motion of the masses about three different axes at the single drive frequency. This is advantageous in that only one set of drive circuitry is needed in a multi-axis sensing system, rather than a drive circuit needed for each sensed axis.

FIG. 2a is a top plan view of another embodiment of an angular rate sensor 12 in accordance with the present invention. Only the proof masses and the linkage are shown for clarity. In this embodiment, each of the proof masses 100 a-d is curved such that the collective shape of the masses 100 a-d is substantially circular when viewed down on the mass plane. The angular rate sensor may comprise four masses 100 a-100 d coupled through the linkage 200, where linkage 200 includes linkage portions 210 a-d, each linkage portion 210 a-d connecting two adjacent ones of the masses 100 a-d, as described in greater detail below with respect to FIG. 7.

As shown in FIGS. 2b and 2c , the angular rate sensor 12 may have an extension mode. A center of mass CM of the masses 100 a-d is shown as an example, and is approximately in the same mass plane defined by the masses 100 a-d. In FIG. 2b , the masses 100 a-d simultaneously move outwardly from the center of mass CM in the extension mode. In FIG. 2c , the masses 100 a-d simultaneously move inwardly toward the center of mass CM in the extension mode.

Referring to FIG. 2a , a linkage portion 210 a connects proof mass 100 a and proof mass 100 b. The linkage portion 210 a allows mass 100 a and mass 100 b to move simultaneously along axes radiating from the center of the mass CM outwards, i.e. the linkage portion 210 a is substantially compliant with respect to that motion. The linkage portion 210 a allows mass 100 a and mass 100 b to move away from or towards each other along the axis orthogonal to the axis radiating from the center of mass outwards, i.e. the linkage portion 210 a is substantially compliant with respect to that motion. The linkage portion 210 a does not allow mass 100 a and mass 100 b to move in an opposite direction from each other along the axes radiating from the center of the structure, i.e. the linkage portion 210 a is substantially stiff with respect to that motion. The linkage portion 210 a does not allow mass 100 a and the mass 100 b to move in an opposite direction from each other along the axis normal to the base, i.e. the linkage portion 210 a is substantially stiff with respect to that motion.

Similarly, a linkage portion 210 b connects mass 100 b and mass 100 c, a linkage portion 210 c connects mass 100 c and mass 100 d and a linkage portion 210 d connects mass 100 a and mass 100 d. The linkage portions 210 b-210 d have similar properties as the portion of the linkage 210 a which are described above.

As a result, the overall stiffness of the structure comprising the masses 100 a-d and the linkage 210 a-d is substantially low with respect to any simultaneous extension or contraction of the masses 100 a-d in the mass plane, as when moving in the extension mode. Moreover, any other combination of in-plane motion of the masses 100 a-d other than the motion defined by the extension mode may be designed to be substantially stiff. Similarly, the overall out-of-plane stiffness of the structure is substantially high and the linkage portions 210 a-d may be designed so that the two neighboring masses are rigidly coupled in out-of-plane direction.

Overall, by designing the linkage correctly, the plurality of masses may be made substantially stiff for all motions except for motion in the extension mode. Thus, the linkage portions 210 a-d flex to accommodate the movement of the masses 100 a-d in the extension mode as shown in FIGS. 2b and 2c and are stiff in other axes, and therefore the linkage 200 constrains the masses to move only in the extension mode, i.e. only within the mass plane and simultaneously away or toward the center of mass of the masses. The masses 100 a-d consequently behave as a solid plate with respect to rotations about X, Y and Z axes. The extension mode may be a drive mode of the angular rate sensor, such that the actuator causes the extension mode movement. Furthermore, the drive mode can be a mechanical resonant mode in which the proof masses 100 a-d are driven at a resonant frequency of the mechanical structure, similarly as described above for the embodiment of FIGS. 1a-1c . In some embodiments, the center of mass does not substantially move as a result of the movement of masses 100 a-d.

FIG. 3a illustrates another example embodiment 14 in which the angular rate sensor may comprise three proof masses 100 a-100 c coupled through the linkage 200 further comprising at least three linkage portions 210 a-210 c and appropriate flexures. Only the proof masses and the linkage are shown for clarity. In the embodiment of FIG. 3a , the masses form an approximate circle when viewed, as shown, above the mass plane defined by the masses 100 a-d. In other embodiments, other shapes of masses can be employed. Properties of the linkage and masses are similar to the properties of the linkage and masses as discussed in the embodiment above and shown in FIG. 2 a.

In another embodiment 16 as shown in FIG. 3b , the angular rate sensor may comprise a larger number of proof masses 100 coupled mutually through a linkage 200 further comprising multiple linkage portions 210 and appropriate flexures. Only the proof masses and the linkage are shown for clarity. Properties of the linkage and masses are similar to the properties of the linkage and masses as discussed in the embodiment above and shown in FIG. 2a . Thus, a different number of masses and linkage portions can be used in various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 4a , an embodiment 18 of the angular rate sensor shows the use of a frame 250. Approximately circular proof masses 100 a-d are used as an example. In this embodiment, the linkage 200 may comprise the linkage portions 210 a-d and further comprise a substantially planar frame 250 that encircles or surrounds the masses 100 a-100 d within the mass plane, i.e. the outsides of the masses within the mass plane are surrounded by the frame 250. Furthermore, the linkage 200 may include frame flexures 280 a-d. Four frame flexures 280 a-d are shown in the described embodiment of FIG. 4a , but other embodiments can provide different numbers of flame flexures. At least one of the masses 100 a-d may be flexibly coupled to the frame through a frame flexure 280.

In one implementation, each of the flexures 280 a-d may be substantially compliant in a direction along the axes radiating from the center of the mass CM within the mass plane, and may be substantially stiff in both the axis normal to the mass plane, and within the mass plane along the axis normal to the axis radiating from the center of the mass. A function of the frame 250 and flexures 280 is to enhance the overall out-of-plane stiffness of the structure. Furthermore, any motion of the masses 100 a-d relative to the frame 250 in an out-of-plane direction is substantially stiff. Also, in-plane motion of any mass 100 relative to the frame 250 in the direction normal to the axis and radiating from the center of the mass outwards is substantially reduced. Consequently, by adding the frame 250 to the linkage 200, the overall stiffness of the structure may be made substantially higher for all motions except for the desired motion in the extension mode, causing the structure to be even more “plate-like.”

Referring to FIG. 4b , in another embodiment 20 of the angular rate sensor, a frame 251 may be encircled or surrounded by the proof masses 100, where the outside of the frame within the mass plane is surrounded by the masses 100. The masses 100 are connected to the frame 251 by frame flexures 280. A function of the frame is similar to the frame 250 encircling the masses 100 as explained above. Referring to FIG. 4c , in yet another embodiment 22, the frame may be a multi-part frame that includes an inner first frame 251 encircled or surrounded by the plurality of masses 100, and also including an outer second frame 250 encircling or surrounding the proof masses. The frames 251 and 250 may have the same functionality as the single-frame designs described above.

Referring to FIG. 5, one example of a more-detailed implementation 24 of the angular rate sensor is shown. The angular rate sensor 24 comprises four masses 100 a-d disposed in a plane. The four masses 100 a-d are coupled through the plurality of the linkage portions 210 a-d. Furthermore, the masses 100 a-d are encircled or surrounded by the frame 250. The masses 100 a-d and the frame 250 are coupled through the frame flexures 280 a-h. The masses 100 a-d and the linkage 200, where the linkage 200 includes the linkage portions 210 a-d, the frame 250, and the frame flexures 280, form a stiff, plate-like structure. The linkage 200 constrains the masses such that the only substantial allowable motion is that of the masses 100 a-d moving in the extension mode in the mass plane.

Referring to FIG. 5, one or more transducers may be added to the sensor in order to sense Coriolis forces induced on the masses 100. In one implementation the transducers may be capacitive. In order to sense Coriolis forces around the first input axis, i.e. X axis, in one implementation, the transducer includes a pair of electrodes 501 a-b that may be placed underneath the frame 250 (with respect to the view of FIG. 5) such that in response to the frame 250 and masses 100 rotating around the first axis, the transducer 501 a-b senses Coriolis force. Similarly, in order to sense Coriolis forces around the second input axis, i.e. Y axis, in one implementation, a transducer includes a pair of electrodes 502 a-b that may be placed underneath the frame 250 such that in response to the frame 250 and masses 100 rotating around the second axis, the transducer 502 a-b detects Coriolis force.

In some embodiments, and referring to FIG. 5, a transducer for the third input axis, i.e. Z axis, may be implemented as an in-plane capacitor. In one implementation the Z-axis transducer may be a lateral comb capacitor, as shown. In another implementation it may be a parallel plate capacitor. In order to detect Coriolis forces around the third input axis, the transducer includes at least one pair of electrodes 503 a-b, where a pair of electrodes 503 a-b may be placed at one or more locations around the frame 250 such that in response to the frame 250 and masses 100 rotating around the third axis, the transducer(s) 503 a-b detect Coriolis force-induced motion. For example, 8 pairs of electrodes 503 a-b are shown in FIG. 5, but in other embodiments there may be fewer or more transducer pairs spaced around the sensor. In another implementation, the transducers 501 a-b, 502 a-b and 503 a-b may be single-ended, i.e., only one of the transducer components 501 a or 501 b, 502 a or 502 b, and 503 a or 503 b, need be used. In another implementation, the transducers 501 a-b, 502 a-b and 503 a-b may be attached directly to the masses 100 a-d. In other implementations transducers 501 and 502 may be provided beneath the masses 100 a-d instead of beneath frame 250 as shown, and in other implementations the transducer 503 may be coupled to the masses 100 a-d instead of the frame 250 as shown (e.g. in embodiments without a frame 250, or alternatively in embodiments including a frame).

The four masses 100 a-d can be flexibly coupled to the base 10 through a plurality of anchoring linkages 300 a-d. The anchoring linkages 300 a-d are compliant so that masses 100 a-d may move in the extension mode. The anchoring linkages 300 a-d are also compliant so that the masses 100 a-d and frame 250 can move substantially together around the X axis, and are compliant so that the masses 100 a-d and frame 250 to move substantially together around the Y axis. Finally, the anchoring linkages 300 a-d are compliant so that the masses 100 a-d and frame 250 can move substantially together around the Z axis.

Referring to FIG. 6a , an anchoring linkage 300 is now described. Each anchoring linkage 300 may comprise an actuator mass 331, an anchoring flexure 340 and a coupling flexure 350. The anchoring flexure 340 ensures that the actuator mass moves within the mass plane approximately along the line radiating from the center of mass (or approximately in a similar direction). The anchoring flexure is substantially stiff to rotation around the axis normal to the plane. This feature ensures that no parasitic Coriolis-like motion around the axis normal to the plane occurs on the associated mass 100 that is coupled to the anchoring linkage 300.

One example implementation of the anchoring flexure 340 is shown in FIG. 6b . In this embodiment, the anchoring flexure may be a folded flexure comprising two actuator guiding arms 341 a-b and a total of eight beams 342 a-h. Other configurations and number of guiding arms and beams can be used in other embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 6a , an actuator 400 including components 400 a-d may be used to set actuator mass 331 into motion. The associated mass 100 coupled to the mass 331 is set into motion through coupling flexure 350 that is substantially stiff along the axis radiating from the center of the mass so that actuator mass 331 and the mass 100 move substantially together in extension mode. The actuator may be electrostatic, for example. In one implementation, the motion of each mass 100 may be sensed in-plane by one or more appropriate transducers. In another implementation, the motion of each actuator mass 331 may be sensed in-plane by one or more appropriate transducers. The transducers may be capacitive, for example. Some embodiments may include the transducers as some of the components 400 a-d. For example, in some embodiments, components 400 a and 400 c may be actuators, and components 400 b and 400 d may be transducers that measure motion of the actuator mass 331 and the associated mass 100 to provide a feedback drive signal to the actuators. In still other embodiments, each component 400 a-d may be split to include an actuator as well as a transducer.

In one implementation, and referring to FIG. 6a , the coupling flexure 350 may comprise two parallel beams 351 a-b. The beams 351 a-b may be considered a single beam that is split into two components. By adjusting one or more of these two components, out-of-plane stiffness of the coupling flexure 350 is preserved while in-plane and torsional stiffness of the coupling flexure can be easily adjusted to substantially match each other.

Referring to FIG. 7, the linkage 200 is now described. The linkage 200 comprises the frame 250, the linkage portions 210, and the frame flexures 280. The masses 100 are flexibly coupled to the linkage 200. In one implementation the linkage portions 210 may each comprise mass flexures 211 a and 211 b and a mass guiding arm 212, in which the mass flexures 211 couple the mass guiding arm 212 to a mass on either side of the mass guiding arm 212, such as mass 100 a and mass 100 b, or mass 100 a and mass 100 c. Additional mass flexures 211 can be used in other embodiments. Similarly, in one implementation the frame flexures 280 may each comprise mass flexures 281 and a mass guiding arm 282, in which one mass flexure 281 couples the mass guiding arm 282 to the frame 250, and the other mass flexure 281 couples the mass guiding arm 282 to a mass 100. Additional mass flexures 281 can be used in other embodiments. Other embodiments can use different forms of flexures and linkage portions.

Referring to FIG. 8, another embodiment 26 of the angular rate sensor of the present invention is shown, a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 5. Anchoring linkages of FIG. 5 are replaced by an inner frame 251. The inner frame 251 is flexibly coupled to the base 10 through coupling linkage 355 a-d. Coupling linkages 355 a-d have similar stiffness properties as coupling linkage 350 from FIGS. 5 and 6 a. Masses 100 a-d are flexibly coupled to the inner frame through frame flexures 280 i-p. The actuators 400 a-d are attached directly to the masses 100 a-d and may drive the masses 100 a-d into motion. Functionality of the portion of the linkage 210 a-d, the frame 250, frame flexures 280 a-h and transducers 501-503 are similar to that of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

Referring to FIG. 9, another embodiment 28 of the angular rate sensor of the present invention is shown, a modification of the embodiment from FIG. 8. Relative to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the linkage portions 210 a-d is removed. The extension mode is a resonant mode of the structure and by driving the masses using the actuator 400 a-d, masses may be set in motion along the shape of the extension mode.

Referring to FIG. 10, another embodiment 30 of the angular rate sensor of the present invention is shown. The masses 100 a-d are flexibly coupled to the frame 250 through frame flexures 285 a-h. The frame 250 is flexibly coupled to the base 10 through coupling springs 360 a-d. The masses 100 a-d may be set in motion by a set of actuators 400 a-d. The frame flexures 285 a-d ensure that the masses 100 a-d are allowed to move substantially along the axis radiating from the center of mass of the masses 100 a-d. The frame flexures 285 a-d ensures that the masses 100 a-d are restricted to move out-of plane and are restricted to move around the axis normal to the base and relative to the frame 250. Coupling flexures 360 a-d allow the frame 250 and the masses 100 a-d to rotate about the X axis. Coupling flexures 360 a-d allow the frame 250 and the masses 100 a-d to rotate about the Y axis. Coupling flexures 360 a-d allow the frame 250 and the masses 100 a-d to rotate about the Z axis. The extension mode is a resonant mode of the structure and by driving the masses by the actuator 400 a-d masses may be set in motion conforming to the shape of the extension mode.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of another embodiment 32 of the angular rate sensor of the present invention. In this embodiment, the shape of the rate sensor when viewed from a top view down on the mass plane is substantially circular. Other shapes of masses and linkages can be used in the sensor in other embodiments. The operation and components of angular rate sensor 32 are substantially similar to that sensor 24 described above.

Operation

The angular rate sensor of the present invention senses angular velocity about one or more sensing axes. FIGS. 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b, 14a and 14c illustrate the operation of the angular rate sensor for different input rotation axes.

FIGS. 12a and 12b illustrate the sensing operation when the input axis is the X axis, where FIG. 12a is a top plan view and FIG. 12b is a side elevational view. To perform the sensing operation, actuator 400 is controlled to set the motion of masses 100 such that the masses oscillate in extension mode substantially at the known resonant frequency of the moving mechanical structure in the extension mode. Referring to FIGS. 12a-b and FIG. 5, if the angular rate sensor (e.g., base 10) experiences a rate of rotation around the X axis, e.g. an input rotation Ωx rotates the angular rate sensor, then a Coriolis force will act on masses 100 a and 100 c in opposite directions along the axis normal to the mass plane at the frequency of the extension mode. Since the linkage 200 is stiff in the directions normal to the mass plane, resulting Coriolis forces will cause masses 100 together with the frame 250 to rotate around the X axis. The transducer 501 a-b differentially senses motion of the frame 250.

FIGS. 13a and 13b illustrate the sensing operation when the input axis is the Y axis, where FIG. 13a is a top plan view and FIG. 13b is a side elevational view. Referring to FIGS. 13a-b and FIG. 5, if the angular rate sensor (e.g., base 10) experiences a rate of rotation around the Y axis based on an input rotation Ωy, then a Coriolis force will act on masses 100 b and 100 d in opposite directions along the axis normal to the mass plane at the frequency of the extension mode. Since the linkage 200 is stiff in the directions normal to the mass plane, resulting Coriolis forces will cause masses 100 together with the frame 250 to rotate around the Y axis. The transducer 502 a-b differentially senses motion of the frame 250.

FIGS. 14a and 14b illustrate top plan views of the angular rate sensor to illustrate the sensing operation when the input axis is the Z axis. Referring to FIGS. 14a-b and FIG. 5, if the angular rate sensor (e.g., base 10) experiences a rate of rotation around the Z axis based on an input rotation, then a Coriolis force will act on masses 100 a-d such that generated torque is normal to the mass plane at the frequency of the extension mode. Since the linkage 200 is stiff in the directions normal to the mass plane, resulting Coriolis forces will cause masses 100 together with the frame 250 to rotate around the Z axis. The transducer 503 a-b differentially senses motion of the frame 250. FIG. 14b shows an example of a result after the frame 250 and masses 100 have rotated counterclockwise about the Z axis, as sensed by the transducer 503 a-b.

Other embodiments of the angular rate sensor can perform additional sensing for other types of external stresses besides the Coriolis force. For example, input forces can be provided such as angular acceleration, which results in measuring acceleration instead of (or in addition to) the Coriolis forces as measured in the embodiments described above. Components to receive and sense such angular acceleration forces are known to those of skill in the art.

Some embodiments of the angular rate sensor of the present invention can be fabricated as a MEMS device. An important process step of fabrication of a low cost MEMS device is the integration of mechanical parts with the electronics. To address this need, a “Nasiri-Fabrication” platform may be utilized which is described for example in U.S. Pat. No. 7,104,129, entitled “Vertically Integrated MEMS Structure with Electronics in a Hermetically Sealed Cavity”, assigned to the assignee of this application and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This fabrication process makes use of bulk micromachining and readily allows for the water level integration of the MEMS substrate and the electronics (ASIC) substrate. In addition to integration, this method encapsulates the mechanical parts in a low pressure hermetically sealed chamber that protects the MEMS device against adverse effect of environment such as humidity.

The basic steps of Nasiri-fabrication are shown in FIGS. 15A-15H. A handle wafer 40 is etched to form cavities as shown in FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B. Oxide is then grown on the handle wafer 40. A handle wafer 40 and a device wafer 45 are then fusion bonded together as shown in FIG. 15C. The assembly comprising handle wafer 40 and the device wafer 45 is polished to achieve desired device thickness as shown in FIG. 15D. The device wafer 45 is then etched to form stand-offs 73 as shown in FIG. 15E. The stand-offs 73 are then covered by germanium 71 as shown in FIG. 15F. The device wafer 45 is then etched to form portions of MEMS device as shown in FIG. 15G. The MEMS device may be any of the embodiments of the disclosed angular rate sensor of the present invention comprising the masses 100, the linkage 200, the anchoring linkage 300, the actuator 400, and the lateral transducer 503, for example. Further, as shown in FIG. 15H, the handle and the device wafers are then eutetically bonded to the ASIC wafer 50 with exposed aluminum 72 at bonding points. The transducers 501 and 502 may be formed between aluminum deposited on ASIC wafer and MEMS device layer comprising proof masses 100 (or frame 250). The handle wafer 40, the device wafer 45 and the ASIC wafer 50 may form a base 10.

Although the present invention has been described in accordance with the embodiments shown, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that there could be variations to the embodiments and those variations would be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, many modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An angular rate sensor, comprising: at least three masses disposed substantially in a plane parallel to a base, wherein the at least three masses have a center of mass; at least one actuator that drives the at least three masses in an extension mode, wherein, in the extension mode, the at least three masses move in the plane simultaneously away from the center of mass or simultaneously towards the center of mass; a first transducer that senses a first Coriolis force resulting from a first rotation of the angular rate sensor about a first input axis in the plane; and a second transducer that senses a second Coriolis force resulting from a second rotation of the angular rate sensor about a second input axis in the plane, wherein the second input axis is not parallel to the first input axis.
 2. The angular rate sensor of claim 1, further comprising: an X-axis capacitive sensor comprising a first electrode formed on the base and a portion of at least one mass of the at least three masses; and a Y-axis capacitive sensor comprising a second electrode formed on the base and another portion of at least another mass of the at least three masses, wherein the X-axis capacitive sensor and the Y-axis capacitive sensor are respectively configured to facilitate sensing an angular velocity of the angular rate sensor about the first input axis and the second input axis, respectively, of three different input axes of the angular rate sensor.
 3. The angular rate sensor of claim 2, further comprising: a first Z-axis capacitive sensor coupled to a first mass of the at least three masses; and a second Z-axis capacitive sensor coupled to a second mass of the at least three masses and configured to move independently of the first mass and the first Z-axis capacitive sensor, wherein the X-axis capacitive sensor, the Y-axis capacitive sensor, the first Z-axis capacitive sensor, and the second Z-axis capacitive sensor are configured to sense the angular velocity of the angular rate sensor about the three different input axes of the angular rate sensor.
 4. The angular rate sensor of claim 3, wherein the first Z-axis capacitive sensor is situated in a same plane as the first mass and a set of z-electrodes of the first Z-axis capacitive sensor are situated perpendicular to a rectilinear side of the first mass.
 5. The angular rate sensor of claim 3, wherein the second Z-axis capacitive sensor is situated in a same plane as the second mass and a set of z-electrodes of the second Z-axis capacitive sensor are situated perpendicular to a rectilinear side of the second mass.
 6. The angular rate sensor of claim 3, further comprising: a first set of z-electrodes of the first Z-axis capacitive sensor and a second set of z-electrodes of the second Z-axis capacitive sensor, wherein the first set of z-electrodes and the second set of z-electrodes extend substantially parallel in relation to each other.
 7. The angular rate sensor of claim 3, further comprising: a first set of z-electrodes of the first Z-axis capacitive sensor and a second set of z-electrodes of the second Z-axis capacitive sensor, wherein the first set of z-electrodes and the second set of z-electrodes extend substantially parallel to a single axis.
 8. The angular rate sensor of claim 7, wherein the single axis lies in the plane and is offset by approximately 45 degrees from a direction of movement of one of the at least three masses in the extension mode.
 9. The angular rate sensor of claim 3, wherein the center of mass is associated with a center of gravity point of the at least three masses, and wherein the first Z-axis capacitive sensor and the second Z-axis capacitive sensor do not surround the center of gravity point of the at least three masses.
 10. The angular rate sensor of claim 1, further comprising: at least three linkages that couple the at least three masses, wherein a mass of the at least three masses is flexibly coupled to two other masses of the at least three masses via two of the at least three linkages.
 11. The angular rate sensor of claim 10, wherein the center of mass is associated with a center of gravity point of the at least three masses, and wherein the at least three linkages are configured to pull the at least three masses towards the center of gravity point of the at least three masses at substantially a same time.
 12. The angular rate sensor of claim 1, wherein the at least three masses comprise a first mass and a second mass, and wherein the first mass and the second mass are on opposite sides of a center of gravity point associated with the first mass and the second mass.
 13. The angular rate sensor of claim 1, wherein the at least three masses comprise a first mass, a second mass and a third mass, and wherein each of the first mass, the second mass and the third mass has at least one side of a rectilinear shape.
 14. The angular rate sensor of claim 1, further comprising: a central frame coupled to the at least three masses and flexibly coupled to the base.
 15. The angular rate sensor of claim 1, wherein the at least one actuator comprises an electrostatic actuator that comprises an electrode on an actuator mass and another electrode fixed to the base, wherein the actuator mass is suspended to the base via an anchoring flexure.
 16. The angular rate sensor of claim 1, further comprising a coupling flexure coupling one of the planar masses to an actuator mass, wherein the coupling flexure is substantially rigid to translation in the extension mode.
 17. A method, comprising: disposing at least three masses substantially in a plane parallel to a base of an angular rate sensor, wherein the at least three masses have a center of mass; driving the at least three masses in an extension mode via at least one actuator; in the extension mode, in response to the driving, moving the at least three masses in the plane simultaneously away from the center of mass or simultaneously towards the center of mass; sensing a first Coriolis force resulting from a first rotation of the angular rate sensor about a first input axis in the plane; and sensing a second Coriolis force resulting from a second rotation of the angular rate sensor about a second input axis in the plane, wherein the second input axis is not parallel to the first input axis.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: attaching a first Z-axis capacitive sensor to a first mass of the at least three masses; attaching a second Z-axis capacitive sensor to a second mass of the at least three masses, wherein the second Z-axis capacitive sensor is capable of moving independently of the first mass and the first Z-axis capacitive sensor; forming an X-axis capacitive sensor, comprising a first electrode, on the base and a portion of at least one mass of the at least three masses; and forming a Y-axis capacitive sensor, comprising a second electrode, on the base and another portion of at least another mass of the at least three masses, wherein the X-axis capacitive sensor, the Y-axis capacitive sensor, the first Z-axis capacitive sensor and the second Z-axis capacitive sensor are capable of sensing an angular velocity of the angular rate sensor about three different input axes of the angular rate sensor.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least three masses comprise a first mass, a second mass and a third mass, and wherein the method further comprises: flexibly coupling the first mass to the second mass and the third mass.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the center of mass is associated with a center of gravity point of the at least three masses, and wherein the method further comprises: moving the at least three masses towards the center of gravity point of the at least three masses at substantially a same time.
 21. A system that senses angular velocity, comprising: at least three masses disposed substantially in a plane parallel to a base, wherein the at least three masses have a center of mass; at least one actuator that drives the at least three masses in an extension mode, wherein, in the extension mode, the at least three masses move in the plane substantially simultaneously away from the center of mass or substantially simultaneously towards the center of mass; a first transducer that senses a first inertial force resulting from a first rotation of the system about a first input axis in the plane; and a second transducer that senses a second inertial force resulting from a second rotation of the system about a second input axis in the plane, wherein the second input axis is not parallel to the first input axis. 